WEST WHITTIER – The West Whittier Community Advisory Committee on Wednesday honored sheriff’s Deputy Allan Castellano for his five years of work in improving the community.

During his assignment at the Pico Rivera Station, the deputy led Neighborhood Watch meetings, helped a local war veteran receive long-overdue medals, and made strong connections in the unincorporated West Whittier area, said Vivian Olguin, chairwoman of the advisory committee.

“This is an area that has been overlooked, and he made it his second home,” she said. “Residents knew if they had specific needs they could put a call in to him.”

Castellano has been now been transferred and will start at the sheriff’s Lakewood Station on Feb. 26.

In addition to tributes from the council, Castellano received commendations from Los Angeles County supervisors Don Knabe and Gloria Molina and Rep. Linda Sanchez, D-Lakewood.